ABSTRACT This study was developed to carry out selection, estimate genetic parameters and predict individual genetic values of 55 genotypes from S2 families as well as estimate genetic dissimilarity based on physiological seed attributes. All S2 genotypes evaluated were obtained from self-pollination of S1 genotypes from the guava breeding program. The experiment was laid out in blocks with 55 S2 genotypes and four blocks. Genetic parameters were estimated and the best genotypes were selected based on the genetic value, using the statistical method of mixed models. In addition, genetic divergence was estimated based on the mean Euclidean distance. Although heritability values were considered medium to high magnitude for germination (0.22) and germination speed index (0.35), genetic gains were obtained for all traits. Based on the evaluation of individual BLUPs, the S2 genotypes that contributed to most of the evaluated traits were: 5, 31, 85, 214, 369, 393, 398, 442, 443, 444, 449 and 529, suggesting potential to generate vigorous. Through genetic dissimilarity, it was possible to verify the formation of five distinct groups. Therefore, the selection of divergent genotypes with high average for germination is recommended for the advancement of generation in the guava breeding plant.

Abstract The germination potential must be considered in the selection of passion fruit genotypes, since vigorous seeds originate seedlings with a higher growth rate, resulting in superior plants with high agronomic performance. This study proposes to estimate genetic parameters and selection gain for seed traits of full-sib families (FSF) of passion fruit under recurrent selection for resistance to the cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV). Physical and physiological seed traits of 86 FSF were evaluated; genetic parameters, genotypic correlations between traits and genetic gains were estimated using four selection indices. There were significant differences and genetic variability between families and positive genetic correlations between variables. The best distribution of genetic gains was obtained by the Mulamba and Mock index, using the heritability coefficient and arbitrary weights. This index selected the best 26 families in terms of seed characteristics to compose the second cycle of recurrent selection for resistance to CABMV.

ABSTRACT Investigating the physiological potential of seeds and genetic divergence between families is essential to identify promising materials for the generation of improved populations. This study was undertaken to examine the germination potential and estimate genetic divergence between Passiflora full-sib families (FSFs) based on physical and physiological seed traits. The experiment was consisted of 86 FSFs from the first cycle of recurrent selection for resistance to the cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus. Seeds were evaluated for 19 physical and physiological traits. Dissimilarity estimates were obtained by generalized Mahalanobis distance, and the method unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean was employed for cluster formation. The FSFs showed high germination potential and seed vigor, with mean of 92.4%, 5.68 e 5.81 cm for germination, germination speed index (GSI) and shoot length of seedlings, respectively. Cluster analysis resulted in four groups formed, being Group I composed by 68 FSF more the control Passiflora edulis. The trait 1,000-seed weight (TSW) was the trait that most contributed to explaining the dissimilarity between families, with 31.9%. The trait GSI (physiological), TSW (physical), as well as traits provided by the GroundEye® system (CIELab-b, hue, and circumference of seeds), were efficient in determining genetic divergence detected between the families of passion fruit. These traits can be taken as a basis in the selection of genotypes with higher physiological seed quality.

Abstract Studies on metabolic processes and seed germinability of native endangered species are essential for its conservation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of accelerated aging on germination and on the proteomic and polyamine (PAs) profile in seeds of Cariniana legalis. The seeds were aged at 41, 43, 45 and 47ºC for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, under 100 % relative humidity using a completely randomized factorial design. The data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test. The temperature of 47ºC was efficient in simulating seed aging, with no germination after 72 h of incubation. At 41ºC, the germination did not change significantly until 96 h. The reduction in the concentration of total free PAs, mainly spermidine, and the down-accumulation of heat shock proteins in seeds aged at 47°C were associated with induction of seed aging. Furthermore, the down-accumulation of the aconitate hydratase protein and the up-accumulation of the alcohol dehydrogenase protein were associated with loss of seed germinability and rapid deterioration in seeds aged at 47°C. The aging of C. legalis seeds is related to alteration in the contents of PAs and accumulation of some proteins involved with the loss of germinability.

Resumo Estudos sobre processos metabólicos e germinabilidade de sementes de espécies nativas ameaçadas de extinção são essenciais para sua conservação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do envelhecimento acelerado na germinação e no perfil proteômico e de poliamina (PAs) em sementes de Cariniana legalis. As sementes foram envelhecidas a 41, 43, 45 e 47°C por 24, 48, 72 e 96 h, sob 100% de umidade relativa, usando um delineamento fatorial inteiramente casualizado. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância seguida de teste Tukey. A temperatura de 47°C foi eficiente em simular o envelhecimento das sementes, que não germinaram após 72 h de incubação. Em 41°C, a germinação não mudou significativamente até 96h. A redução na concentração de PAs livres totais, principalmente espermidina e a diminuição no acúmulo de proteínas de choque térmico em sementes envelhecidas à 47°C foram associados à indução do envelhecimento das sementes. Além disso, a diminuição no acúmulo da proteína aconitato hidratase e o aumento no acúmulo da proteína álcool desidrogenase foram associados à perda de germinabilidade das sementes e rápida deterioração em sementes envelhecidas à 47°C. O envelhecimento de sementes de C. legalis está relacionado à alteração no conteúdo de PAs e a alteração de acúmulo de algumas proteínas envolvidas na perda da germinabilidade.

ABSTRACT. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is highly sensitive to zinc deficiency in soils, which results in decreased productivity and low-quality agricultural products. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of different zinc doses, applied to seeds, on the physiological quality and initial performance of sorghum plants. Six doses (0, 3.5, 7.0, 14.0, 21.0, and 28.0 g kg-1 seeds) were used and an uncoated control. The Zn coating process used dolomitic limestone as the filler and glue. Laboratory tests were conducted in a completely randomized design and greenhouse experiments were conducted in a randomized block design. The control means were 8, 9, and 14% lower than the maximum, minimum, and total seed area of treatments, respectively, relative to that of treatments. The control differed from other treatments by 10.47 in the speed index of emergence. Zinc at a dose of 28 g kg-1 seeds provided greater production of aerial dry matter, with nutrient content of 75.85 mg kg-1. Zinc on sorghum seeds affected length and dry matter production of aerial parts and roots but did not affect physical characteristics, germination, or emergence time. Applied zinc accumulated mainly in the roots, and promotes changes in Ca and Mg in seeds and other plant parts.

RESUMO: O acúmulo de nutrients em plantas/frutos variam de acordo com o estádio de desenvolvimento das culturas, sendo que sua quantificação é importante na determinação da exportação de nutrientes para o planejamento da adubação e para o balanceamento de nutrientes. Esse estudo objetivou determinar o acúmulo de nutrientes em diferentes partes dos cachos de Piper nigrum ‘Bragantina’ colhidos em dois estágios de maturação (coloração da casca verde e coloração da casca vermelha). As avaliações foram feitas separadamente nos cachos de Piper nigrum com coloração verde (fruto e pedúnculo) e vermelha (grão, casca e pedúnculo), em que os cachos foram colhidos, secos e as partes foram separadas para análises químicas. N e Mn foram os macro e micronutrientes mais acumulados nos frutos dos cachos com coloração da casca verde e nos grãos dos cachos com coloração da casca vermelha, enquanto K e B foram mais acumulados em outras partes da planta, independente do estágio de maturação. O processo de removação da casca para produção de pimenta branca levou a uma diferença na concentração e no acúmulo de nutrientes nos frutos de pimenta preta e nos grãos de pimenta branca. Uma contribuição significativa para entrada de nutrientes pode ser obtida se as cascas e pedúnculos forem mantidos na área de cultivo, o que diminui a dependência de fertilização, contribuindo para uma agricultura mais sustentável.

ABSTRACT: Nutrients accumulation in plants/fruits varies according to the crop development stage and its quantification is important to determine nutrients exportation for fertilization planning and nutrient balancing. This study determined the accumulation of nutrients in different parts of Piper nigrum ‘Bragantina’ spikes harvested at two ripening stages (still-green and red-colored spikes). Assessments in separate parts of still-green spikes (fruits and peduncles) as well as in red-colored spikes (grains, flesh and peduncles) were performed. Piper nigrum spikes were harvested, dried, and the parts were thereafter separated for chemical analysis. N and Mn were the macro and micronutrient most accumulated in the fruits of still-green spikes and in the grains of red-colored spikes, while K and B were most accumulated in the other parts of black pepper assessed, regardless of the ripening stage. The process of removing the flesh from the fruits for white pepper production led to a difference in nutrient concentration and accumulation between the fruits of still-green spikes and the grains of red-colored spikes. A significant contribution of nutrient input can be achieved by maintained flesh and peduncles in the crop area, decreasing the dependence of external fertilizers and thus contributing to a more sustainable agriculture.

ABSTRACT The seed coating technique adds value to the seeds. This technique allows changing the seed size and shape, facilitating sowing, and also the application of essential nutrients to the good development of the plant in the post-germination phases. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the physical and physiological characteristics of Stylosanthes capitata/macrocephala coated with different materials. For the coating procedure, a N10 Newpack bench seed coating machine was used. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications and 50 seeds per plot distributed in 10 treatments. The different materials and their respective mixtures significantly altered the physical characteristics, the weight of a thousand seeds (WTS), water content (SWC), maximum diameter (DMA), and minimum diameter (DMI) of the seeds. Among the different materials, the sand coated seeds had the highest germination percentage (%G), germination velocity index (GSI), and first germination count (FGC). The maintenance of physiological attributes was observed in sand coated seeds (0.25 mm). Therefore, it is an alternative application of nutrients via seeds, due to the inert character of the sand. The mixing of the materials used in this work is not recommended.

ABSTRACT Guava is of great economic importance in Brazil. The development of new cultivars by obtaining inbreeding lines has been a promising option. The objective of this work was to evaluate the S2 families of Psidium guajava using seed attributes. Different characters of physiological quality of guava seeds were studied, in addition to performing digital phenotyping of characteristics of geometry, texture and colors of the seeds. The variables were analyzed simultaneously using the Ward-Modified Location Model (MLM) method and carried out individual analyses of variance for estimating genetic parameters of the population. The formation of more than one group of divergent genotypes was observed, the geometry characteristics were more impacting for the discrimination of the genotypes, a high phenotypic correlation was observed with the germination variables and dry matter weight. High heritabilities were verified for the variables related to seed quality, indicating success in selecting vigorous genotypes. The Ward-MLM method is a useful tool to detect genetic diversity among genotypes of inbred guava. Thus, the most divergent genotypes with high germination potential can be recommended for future crosses or self-fertilized to obtain new lines in the guava breeding program.

ABSTRACT Molybdenum (Mo) availability is strongly affected by soil pH, which determines the dynamics of electrical charges and the adsorption of molybdate. This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) and Mo application on the chemical properties of a Latossolo Amarelo (Oxisol) and in Coffea canephora nutrition and productivity throughout two productive cycles under field conditions. The experiment was conducted from June 2018 to May 2020. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, the first factor being the absence and presence (4 kg ha-1 yr-1) of molybdic fertilization and the second factor was the N dose (300, 500, 700, 900, and 1,100 kg ha-1 yr-1). At the end of each production cycle, soil samples were collected to evaluate the pH(H2O), pH(KCl), exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity, organic matter, and Mo, at layers of 0.00-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m. Leaves were sampled from the coffee tree to determine Mo and N contents and the coffee beans were harvested to evaluate the yield of processed coffee. The results showed that urea has a high potential for soil acidification, influencing the values of exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity, and ∆pH, at layers of 0.00-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m. The decrease in pH caused by increasing doses of N increased the density of positive electrical charges of the soil and reduced Mo content in the leaves of C. canephora by 67 %. The application of sodium molybdate via soil was efficient in providing Mo to Conilon coffee and provided a 3.7 % increase in the yield of processed coffee. Nevertheless, molybdic fertilization did not influence the Mo content in the soil in the evaluations carried out at the end of each production cycle.

Resumo A goiaba é uma fruta de importância no Brasil e no mundo. No entanto, as pesquisas ainda precisam avançar na área de melhoramento genético e na tecnologia de sementes que é fator fundamental na busca de novos genótipos produtivos e com potencial germinativo, dando apoio a continuidade dos programas de melhoramento. Na busca de metodologia para teste de análise de rotina de sementes de goiaba sob controle genético objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da temperatura e do substrato na germinação de sementes de goiaba oriundas de famílias de irmãos completos. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, constituído pela combinação de cinco temperaturas (25, 30, 35, 20-30 e 25-35 °C) e quatro substratos (rolo de papel, sobre papel, entre areia e sobre areia), com oito repetições de 50 sementes. Foram avaliadas a germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação e sementes não germinadas vivas. As temperaturas alternadas de 20-30 e 25-35 °C e os substratos rolo de papel, sobre papel e entre areia são as condições adequadas para condução de testes de germinação com sementes de goiaba.

Abstract Guava is an important fruit in Brazil and worldwide. However, research has yet to advance on its breeding and seed technology, an essential factor for the development of productive genotypes with germination potential which would support the continuity of breeding programs. In search of a methodology for routine analysis testing of guava seeds under genetic control, this study examined the effect of temperature and substrate on the germination of guava seeds from full-sib families. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of the combination of five temperatures (25, 30, 35, 20-30 and 25-35 °C) and four substrates (paper roll, on-paper, in-sand and on-sand), with eight replicates of 50 seeds. Germination, germination speed index and live ungerminated seeds were evaluated. The alternating temperatures of 20-30 and 25-35 °C and the paper roll, on-paper and in-sand substrates are adequate conditions for germination tests with guava seeds.

RESUMO: No processo de revestimento, os materiais cimentantes são os responsáveis por conferir a adesão dos materiais de enchimento às sementes. Concentrações adequadas de material cimentante promovem revestimento com boas características físicas e que não prejudiquem as características fisiológicas das sementes. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar o tipo e a concentração de material cimentante que possibilite as melhores características físicas e fisiológicas em sementes revestidas de estilosantes Campo Grande. O revestimento foi realizado em drageadora, utilizando areia como material de enchimento. Os tratamentos foram compostos por 2 tipos de materiais cimentantes em 3 proporções (cola cascorez extra e cola goma arábica, diluídas em água, 3:1, 2:1 e 1:1), além das sementes não revestidas, como controle. Após o revestimento, as sementes foram avaliadas quanto às características físicas e fisiológicas. O delineamento adotado foi inteiramente casualizado em laboratório e em casa de vegetação. Verificou-se que as colas cascorez extra e goma arábica não interferiram na qualidade fisiológica das sementes de estilosantes Campo Grande nas diferentes concentrações utilizadas. Entretanto, a cola cascorez extra na proporção 2:1 proporcionou maior área, diâmetro máximo, diâmetro mínimo e esfericidade nas sementes revestidas.

ABSTRACT: The binder materials used in seed coating provide adherence of the filler materials onto the seeds. Adequate concentrations of the binder promote good physical characteristics of coating while not impairing seed physiological characteristics. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the type and the concentration of binder materials that allow the best physical and physiological characteristics in coated seeds of Campo Grande Stylosanthes. Seed coating was carried out in a coating pan, using sand as the filling material. The treatments consisted of 2 types of binders mixed in 3 ratios (PVA glue and gum arabic glue, diluted in water, 3:1, 2:1, and 1:1), and uncoated seeds as control. The coated seeds were evaluated for physical and physiological characteristics. The laboratory and greenhouse experiments were arranged in a completely randomized design. Results showed that at the different concentrations used this study, neither the PVA glue nor the gum arabic glue had any effect on the physiological quality of Campo Grande Stylosanthes seeds. However, PVA glue in the ratio of 2:1 provided the greatest surface area, maximum diameter, minimum diameter, and sphericity to coated seeds.

RESUMO A adubação não é uma prática comum na instalação de pastagem no Brasil. Assim, a técnica do recobrimento de sementes pode ser a alternativa para garantir nutrientes na fase de semeio de forrageiras. Assim o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a incorporação de fertilizante líquido em sementes revestidas de estilosantes e o efeito dessa tecnologia na qualidade das sementes. Foi utilizado o fertilizante Mastermins®, aplicado na última camada do revestimento e o polímero adesivo Polyseed 76F, aplicado após o fertilizante. Foram realizadas análises fisiológicas e biométricas das sementes. Utilizou-se 6 doses de fertilizante (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50 mL. 100 g sementes-1), com e sem polímero, além do tratamento controle (semente não revestida). A metodologia proporcionou um aumento significativo nas concentrações dos nutrientes minerais nas sementes, ressalvando que, a adição de polímero adesivo aumentou ainda mais a concentração dos mesmos nas sementes. Além disso, a aplicação de fertilizante líquido não interferiu na emergência e velocidade de emergência das sementes, apenas na germinação e na velocidade de germinação. Foi possível verificar também que, doses de fertilizante superiores a 10 mL.100 g sementes-1 não propiciaram maior acúmulo de massa seca em plantas de estilosantes Campo Grande.

ABSTRACT Fertilization is not a common management practice at pasture establishment in Brazil. Seed coating technology can be a useful approach to ensure the availability of nutrients to plants during the early stages of development. Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate the incorporation of liquid fertilizer in seeds of Stylosanthes and to evaluate the effect of this technology on seed quality. Mastermins® fertilizer was applied to the last layer of the binder material coating on the seed and Polyseed 76F polymer adhesive was thereafter applied onto the fertilizer. Physiological and biometric analyses of the seeds were carried out. Six fertilizer doses (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mL.100 g seeds-1) were tested, with and without adhesive. The control group comprised of uncoated seeds. The method provided a significant increase in the concentration of mineral nutrients supplemented to the seeds, and the use of the adhesive polymer further increased the concentration of minerals. The liquid fertilizer had no effect on seed emergence and emergence speed but influenced germination and germination speed. The results also showed that fertilizer doses higher than 10 mL.100 g seeds-1 did not provide higher dry mass accumulation in Campo Grande Stylosanthes.

Resumo: A soja perene (Neonotonia wightii) é uma Fabaceae com potencial para ser utilizada em consórcio com plantas da família Poaceae, a fim de melhorar a qualidade das pastagens. Na busca por agregar valor às sementes de soja perene e melhorar a sua distribuição na semeadura, sementes revestidas com diferentes materiais foram caracterizadas via análise de imagem digital e os atributos físicos relacionados com atributos fisiológicos, a fim de definir a quantidade e o material ideais a serem utilizados no revestimento. Foram testados 150 g, 200 g e 250 g de material divididos em camadas, sendo eles: areia, silicato de cálcio + areia e calcário + areia. O recobrimento promoveu incrementos máximos de aproximadamente 350% à massa das sementes e aumentos significativos de até 230% na área, 154% no diâmetro máximo, 162% no diâmetro mínimo, 167% no diâmetro contido e 152% no perímetro. O recobrimento foi eficiente, também, em reduzir a umidade dos péletes com o aumento das camadas que recobrem as sementes. A combinação de areia + calcário resultou nos maiores péletes. A combinação de areia + silicato não interferiu na velocidade e formação de plantas, sendo considerado o material adequado para o recobrimento de sementes de soja perene.

Abstract: Perennial soybean (Neonotonia wightii) is a Fabaceae with potential to be used in consortium with Poaceae plants to improve pasture quality. In order to add value to perennial soybean seeds and improve their seed distribution, seeds coated with different materials in coating machine were characterized by digital image analysis and physical attributes related to physiological attributes in order to define the ideal amount and material to be used in the coating. Different material quantities were tested, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g, divided into layers, namely: sand, calcium silicate + sand and limestone + sand. Coating promoted maximum increments of approximately 350% in seed mass and significant increases of up to 230% in area, 154% in maximum diameter, 162% in minimum diameter, 167% in contained diameter and 152% in perimeter. The coating was also efficient in reducing the moisture of the pellets by increasing the layers that cover the seeds. The sand + limestone combination resulted in the largest pellets. The combination of sand + silicate did not interfere with plant speed and formation. Thus, it was considered the appropriate material for the coating of perennial soybean seeds.

Abstract Andina is a conilon coffee variety originated from a selection of clones discovered by farmers. It was cultivated and evaluated for yield and plant vigor an altitude of 850m asl. Five genotypes (A1, NV2, NV8, P1 and Verdim TA), with a mean yield of 51.3 bags per hectare per year.

RESUMO A poda programada de ciclo é uma técnica de revigoramento muito empregada no cafeeiro conilon. É possível que ela possa ser adotada no cafeeiro arábica aumentando a longevidade e a produtividade das lavouras. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar a influência da poda programada de ciclo no desenvolvimento vegetativo e produtivo do cafeeiro arábica. O experimento foi conduzido a campo no delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, sendo quatro densidades de hastes (4000, 8000, 12000 e 16000 hastes ha-1) e dois manejos para retirada de ramos plagiotrópicos (retirada anual e bienal de ramos que apresentaram 70% ou mais da sua produção). Para algumas variáveis, os tratamentos foram organizados em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 x 2, sendo o último fator referente a duas posições de coleta de dados na planta (superior e inferior). Para todos os esquemas fatoriais foi empregado um tratamento adicional (testemunha), referente à poda tradicional (recepa). A retirada anual ou bienal de ramos plagiotrópicos que apresentaram 70% ou mais da sua produção pode ser empregada sem prejuízos à produtividade. A poda programada de ciclo melhora a distribuição de ramos, aumenta o tamanho da copa, e impede a ocorrência do fenômeno de “pescoço pelado”, observado na testemunha. A poda programada de ciclo proporciona maior desempenho agronômico e produtivo, podendo ser utilizada em substituição à recepa.

ABSTRACT The cycle pruning programmed is a reinvigoration technique widely employed in Conilon coffee. This strategy may also be adopted for Arabica coffee to increase its crop longevity and yield. In this scenario, the present study proposes to examine the influence of the cycle pruning programmed on the vegetative and productive development of Arabica coffee. The experiment was developed in the field as a randomized-block design with four replicates. Treatments were tested in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of four stem densities (4000, 8000, 12000 or 16000 stems ha-1) and two management strategies for the removal of plagiotropic branches (annual or biennial removal of branches which had reached 70% or more of their production capacity). For some variables, the treatments were organized as a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in which the last factor corresponded to two regions of data collection in the plant (upper or lower). For all factorial arrangements, an additional treatment (control) was employed corresponding to traditional pruning (recepa). Annual or biennial removal of plagiotropic branches which had attained 70% or more of their production capacity can be adopted with no losses to crop yield. The cycle pruning programmed improves the distribution of branches, increases canopy area and prevents the occurrence of the “naked neck” phenomenon, observed in control treatment. Additionally, it provides better agronomic and productive performance; therefore, it can be used as a substitute for recepa.